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Buying Lunenburg's Aro property should be a no-brainer

Sentinel & Enterprise

Updated:
03/15/2013 06:32:29 AM EDT

I am completely floored that the residents of Lunenburg are forced to accept a huge infringement on our rights. Every governmental board in Lunenburg has always proclaimed to the residents, please come out and let your voice be heard; let us know how we may better serve this community in the best interest of all. Vote and be heard!

When solar became a big topic, the selectmen asked the residents to voice their concerns and become educated in all that was involved in regard to a PILOT and a power purchase agreement with solar companies. Although I, along with my neighbors didn't agree with the final outcome, the townspeople had the chance to vote and voted for the PILOT and power purchase agreements. When the selectmen put forth the warrant for the Proposition 2 1/2 override, it's hard for me to believe they actually thought it would pass. They were probably more surprised at how much of a margin it did not. However, they still put the warrant out there for the people to vote.

When solar became a big topic, the selectmen asked the residents to voice their concerns and become educated in all that was involved in regard to a PILOT and a power purchase agreement with solar companies. Although I, along with my neighbors didn't agree with the final outcome, the townspeople had the chance to vote and voted for the PILOT and power purchase agreements. When the selectmen put forth the warrant for the Proposition 2 1/2 override, it's hard for me to believe they actually thought it would pass.

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They were probably more surprised at how much of a margin it did not. However, they still put the warrant out there for the people to vote.

Now with all the financial chaos we are experiencing, why would the residents be denied their right to vote on whether to purchase the Aro property? Although at first the selling price of the land seems ridiculous in light of our budget woes, it is difficult for me to believe we can absorb anymore development without significant revenue putting us in the green. The financial impact of a large development on our fire and police departments as well as our schools will be a never-ending draw of funds needed that real estate taxes will not cover.

What's most confusing to me is that it took only a small group of somebodies informing Mr. Sund and Mr. DeBettencourt of their displeasure with conducting a Town Meeting to review the purchase of this property, and somehow that's all that matters. What happened to democracy?

If they truly feel they are representing the town, what is the harm in weighing the pros and cons at Town Meeting? Who knows, the outcome could still turn out the same -- that we shouldn't purchase the property -- but to take away our right to vote is inexcusable.

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